Ikea has announced today that Peter Jelkeby has been appointed as country retail manager with responsibility for the UK and Ireland.

Taking over from Javier Quiñones, who joins Ikea USA as country retail manager, Mr Jelkeby will continue to strengthen Ikea’s position as the number one home furnishing retailer in the UK and Ireland and will lead the on-going transformation of the Ikea business, at a challenging time for the retail industry.

Commenting on his new role, Mr Jelkeby said: “I’m delighted to return to Ikea UK and Ireland at such a significant point in our history, as we evolve and renew our business to ensure Ikea’s continued success. Building on many years of solid growth, we are responding to the changing needs of our customers to secure an Ikea that is affordable, reaches more people, delivers excellent customer experience and is truly people and planet positive.

“And while Ikea continues to evolve, our vision, to create a better everyday life for everyone across the UK and Ireland, continues to be at the heart of everything we do. Our co-workers, our stores, our product range and home furnishing expertise are fundamental to our continued growth in the market.”

Swedish-born Peter Jelkeby returns to Ikea having enjoyed an extensive career of over 20 years with the company in Sweden, Russia, Vietnam and the UK and Ireland. He began as a part-time co-worker in his local store before joining Ikea Trading AG and went on to secure further experience across the business in a number of positions including store manager at Ikea Lakeside, sales and communications manager and deputy retail manager at Ikea UK and Ireland.

In recent years, Peter worked at Swedish retailer Clas Ohlson where he held the roles of executive vice president/chief operating officer, director of operations and most recently Acting CEO.

Mr Jelkeby joins Ikea UK and Ireland during a period of strong investment in improving the customer experience in a fast-changing retail environment. Committed to meeting the customers’ need for convenience, the retailer continues to invest in enhanced service offers, digitalisation and a focus on city centres starting with London. In February, Ikea UK and Ireland’s most sustainable store opened in Greenwich and a month later, in response to the growth of urban living and changes in the way people live and shop, London’s second city centre Ikea Planning Studio opened in Bromley.

He added: “Our co-workers are at the heart of our business. I look forward to reconnecting with past colleagues and meeting all our co-workers across the UK and Ireland as together we continue to grow and develop the Ikea business, not just today and tomorrow but for many years to come.”